Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
  • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
  • F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
  • F16K11/065—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members
  • F16K11/0655—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with flat slides
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60H1/00271—HVAC devices specially adapted for particular vehicle parts or components and being connected to the vehicle HVAC unit
  • B60H1/00278—HVAC devices specially adapted for particular vehicle parts or components and being connected to the vehicle HVAC unit for the battery
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
  • B60K11/02—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with liquid cooling
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K25/00—Details relating to contact between valve members and seats
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
  • F16K27/04—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor of sliding valves
  • F16K27/044—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor of sliding valves slide valves with flat obturating members
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K3/00—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing
  • F16K3/02—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing faces; Packings therefor
  • F16K3/0227—Packings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K3/00—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing
  • F16K3/02—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing faces; Packings therefor
  • F16K3/0254—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing faces; Packings therefor being operated by particular means
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
  • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
  • F16K31/52—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam
  • F16K31/524—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with a cam
  • F16K31/52475—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with a cam comprising a sliding valve
  • F16K31/52483—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with a cam comprising a sliding valve comprising a multiple-way sliding valve
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
  • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
  • F16K31/52—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam
  • F16K31/528—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with pin and slot
  • F16K31/5286—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with pin and slot comprising a sliding valve
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
  • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
  • F16K31/53—Mechanical actuating means with toothed gearing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K2001/003—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
  • F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
  • F01P2007/146—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid using valves
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01P2050/00—Applications
  • F01P2050/24—Hybrid vehicles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
  • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
  • F16K31/04—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor
  • F16K31/047—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor characterised by mechanical means between the motor and the valve, e.g. lost motion means reducing backlash, clutches, brakes or return means

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a thermal management control valve including: a housing assembly including a first housing section and a second housing section; a rotary actuator coupled to a drive shaft that extends into the housing assembly; and a louver plate assembly enclosed within the housing assembly and including: a louver plate including a plurality of louver slots, each extending through the louver plate, wherein the louver plate is coupled to the drive shaft so that rotation of the drive shaft is configured to selectively move the louver plate along a louver direction between a first position and a second position; a first seal plate arranged between the louver plate and the first housing section, wherein the first seal plate includes one or more first seal plate slots that are elongated in a direction that is generally parallel to the louver direction; and a second seal plate arranged between the louver plate and the second housing section, wherein the second seal plate includes one or more second seal plate slots that are elongated in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the louver direction.
• the present disclosure relates to a thermal management control valve including: a housing assembly including a first housing section and a second housing section; a rotary actuator coupled to a drive shaft that extends into the housing assembly; and a louver plate assembly enclosed within the housing assembly and including: a louver plate including a plurality of louver slots, each extending through the louver plate, wherein the louver plate is coupled to the drive shaft so that rotation of the drive shaft is configured to selectively move the louver plate along a louver direction between a first position and a second position; a first seal plate arranged between the louver plate and the first housing section, and including one or more first seal plate slots; and a second seal plate arranged between the louver plate and the second housing section, and including one or more second seal plate slots, wherein the first seal plate and the second seal plate are arranged along a central axis, wherein the first seal plate defines a different rotational orientation about the central axis than the second seal plate, and wherein the different rotational orientation defines a first
• circumferential refers to a direction that extends generally around a circumference of an object or around an axis of symmetry, a central axis or an elongate direction of a particular component or system.
• the systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to a thermal management control valve that includes a flow control assembly (e.g., a louver plate assembly) that is selectively moved to open/close various flow paths that within a housing of the thermal management control valve.
• the thermal management control valve includes a louver plate assembly having a louver plate, a first seal plate, and a second seal plate.
• the first seal plate and the second seal plate define different rotational orientations (e.g., about a central axis), which enables the louver plate assembly to define various fluid passageways through the louver plate, depending on the position of the louver plate.
• FIGS. 1-3 show a thermal management control valve 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the thermal management control valve 100 is configured to control fluid flow (e.g., direction, routing, flowrate, and/or on/off control) for one or more working fluids in heating and/or cooling systems on an electric vehicle.
• the use of the term "electric vehicle” and variations thereof refers to a battery electric vehicle, a fully electric vehicle, a plug-in-hybrid vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle that is intended to be driven on a road or highway.
• the thermal management control valve 100 provides flow control for a single type of working fluid (e.g., air, water, refrigerant, oil, etc.).
• the thermal management control valve 100 includes a housing, shown as housing assembly 102, and a flow control assembly 104 enclosed within the housing assembly 102.
• the housing assembly 102 includes a first or upper housing section 106 and a second or lower housing section 108.
• the first housing section 106 and the second housing section 108 are fabricated from a polymer or plastic material.
• the first housing section 106 and the second housing section 108 are manufactured via a plastic injection molding.
• the first housing section 106 includes a first housing port 112 and a second housing port 114
• the second housing section 108 includes a third housing port 116 and a fourth housing port 118.
• each of the first housing port 112 and the second housing port 114 is in fluid communication with a fluid chamber arranged within the first housing section 106
• each of the third housing port 116 and the fourth housing port 118 is in fluid communication with a fluid chamber arranged within the second housing section 108.
• the first housing section 106 and the second housing section 108 may each include more or less than two ports.
• the drive shaft 124 defines a drive axis 126 and extends into a louver cavity or chamber, shown as louver manifold 128 formed within the housing assembly 102.
• a portion of the louver manifold 128 may be formed by the first housing section 106 and a portion of the louver manifold 128 may be formed by the second housing section 108.
• the respective portions of the louver manifold 128 formed by the first housing section 106 and the second housing section 108 define an enclosure that forms the louver manifold 128 and houses the components of the louver plate assembly 122.
• the drive shaft 124 extends into the housing assembly 102 (e.g., into the second housing section 108) at a location that is offset (e.g., does not intersect with) from the bonding interface 110 formed between the first housing section 106 and the second housing section 108. In other words, an entirety of the drive shaft 124 is offset from the bonding interface 110.
• This offset arrangement of the drive shaft 124 enables the bonding interface 110 to maintain its coplanar orientation and the associated manufacturing advantages associated therewith.
• the bonding interface 110 is not required to form a seal around a split interface that curves around opposing sides of the drive shaft 124.
• the louver plate assembly 122 is coupled to the drive shaft 124, so that selective rotation of the drive shaft 124 results in linear movement or translation within the louver plate assembly 122 (e.g., linear movement or translation of a louver plate).
• the selective rotation of the drive shaft 124 and corresponding linear movement within the louver plate assembly 122 results in selective opening and/or closing of flow paths between the first housing port 112, the second housing port 114, the third housing port 116, and the fourth housing port 118.
• the louver plate 130 is supported on an inner surface 144 of the louver manifold 128 within the second housing section 108 and guided or constrained by sidewalls 146 of the louver manifold 128 within the second housing section 108 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ).
• selective rotation of the drive shaft 124 by the rotary actuator 120 results in rotation of the threaded portion 140, and the rotation of the threaded portion 140 applies a force on the louver plate 130, due to the threaded coupling between the threaded portion 140 and the threaded protrusion 142, that acts to move the louver plate 130 along a louver direction 148.
• the sidewalls 146 act as guides to constrain or limit the louver plate 130 to travel along the louver direction 148 during movement of the louver plate 130.
• the selective movement of the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148 provides various connections between the first housing port 112, the second housing port 114, the third housing port 116, and the fourth housing port 118, as will be described herein.
• the worm drive-like actuation or movement of the louver plate 130 driven by the threaded interaction between the drive shaft 124 and the louver plate 130 is but one exemplary embodiment for actuating or moving the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148.
• the rotary actuator 120 may rotate a spur gear, a cam, or an equivalent mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion to selectively move the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148.
• the louver plate 130 includes a plurality of louver apertures, holes, cutouts, shown as a plurality of louver slots 150.
• Each of the plurality of louver slots 150 extends through the louver plate 130.
• each of the plurality of louver slots 150 extends through both an upper or first louver surface 152 and a lower or second louver surface 154 of the louver plate 130.
• the louver plate 130 includes three of the louver slots 150, with each of the louver slots 150 being spaced along the louver direction 148 and at least one of the louver slots 150 being spaced along a direction generally perpendicular to the louver direction 148.
• the louver plate 130 may include more or less than three of the louver slots 150, with the louver slots 150 spaced along the louver plate 130 in various orientations.
• the first seal plate 132, the second seal plate 134, the first static seal 136, and the second static seal 138 are arranged along a central axis 156.
• the first seal plate 132 is arranged between the louver plate 130 and the first static seal 136 (e.g., in a direction along the central axis 156), and between the louver plate 130 and the first housing section 106.
• the second seal plate 134 is arranged between the louver plate 130 and the second static seal 138 (e.g., along the central axis 156), and between the louver plate 130 and the second housing section 108.
• the first static seal 136 forms a seal between the first seal plate 132 and the housing assembly 102 (e.g., the first housing section 106). Specifically, the first static seal 136 forms a seal between the first seal plate 132 and internal channels within the first housing section 106 that are in fluid communication with a respective one of the first housing port 112 or the second housing port 114. In some embodiments, the first static seal 136 is fabricated from an elastomer material.
• the first static seal 136 is compressed between the first housing section 106 and the first seal plate 132 so that the first static seal 136 provides a biasing force on the first seal plate 132 that biases the first seal plate 132 in a direction toward the louver plate 130, and aids in maintaining a fluid seal between the louver plate 130, the first seal plate 132, the first static seal 136, and the first housing section 106.
• the second static seal 138 forms a seal between the second seal plate 134 and the housing assembly 102 (e.g., the second housing section 108). Specifically, the second static seal 138 forms a seal between the second seal plate 134 and internal channels within the second housing section 108 that are in fluid communication with a respective one of the third housing port 116 or the fourth housing port 118. In some embodiments, the second static seal 138 is fabricated from an elastomer material.
• the second static seal 138 is compressed between the second housing section 108 and the second seal plate 134 so that the second static seal 138 provides a biasing force on the second seal plate 134 that biases the second seal plate 134 in a direction toward the louver plate 130, and aids in maintaining a fluid seal between the louver plate 130, the second seal plate 134, the second static seal 138, and the second housing section 108.
• each of the first seal plate 132, the second seal plate 134, the first static seal 136, and the second static seal 138 include cutouts, channels, slots, or apertures that define fluid connections to each of the first housing port 112, the second housing port 114, the third housing port 116, and the fourth housing port 118.
• the first seal plate 132 includes a first outer plate wall 158 extending around a periphery of the first seal plate 132 and a first inner plate wall 160 that extends across an interior of the first seal plate 132 and connects to opposing sides of the first outer plate wall 158.
• the first seal plate 132 includes one or more seal plate channels, cutouts, or apertures, shown as first seal plate slots 162 that extend through the first seal plate 132.
• the first seal plate 132 includes two of the first seal plate slots 162.
• Each of the first seal plate slots 162 is bordered or enclosed by the first outer plate wall 158 and the first inner plate wall 160, with one of the first seal plate slots 162 being arranged on one side of the first inner plate wall 160 and another of the first seal plate slots 162 being arranged on an opposing side of the first inner plate wall 160.
• the first static seal 136 includes a similar shape and profile as the first seal plate 132. Specifically, the first static seal 136 includes a first outer seal wall 164 extending around a periphery of the first static seal 136 and a first inner seal wall 166 that extends across an interior of the first static seal 136 and connects to opposing sides of the first outer seal wall 164.
• the first static seal 136 includes a pair of seal plate channels, cutouts, or apertures, shown as first static seal slots 168 that extend through the first static seal 136.
• Each of the first static seal slots 168 is bordered or enclosed by the first outer seal wall 164 and the first inner seal wall 166, with one of the first static seal slots 168 being arranged on one side of the first inner seal wall 166 and another of the first static seal slots 168 being arranged on an opposing side of the first inner seal wall 166.
• the first seal plate 132 When the louver plate assembly 122 is assembled, the first seal plate 132 is rotationally aligned with the first static seal 136 about the central axis 156, so that each of the first seal plate slots 162 aligns with a corresponding one of the first static seal slots 168 and the first inner plate wall 160 is rotationally aligned with (e.g., generally parallel to) the first inner seal wall 166.
• the seals formed between the louver plate 130, the first seal plate 132, and the first static seal 136 provide a sealed connection to each of the first housing port 112 and the second housing port 114.
• one of the aligned set of the first seal plate slots 162 and the first static seal slots 168 forms a sealed fluid connection between the first housing port 112 and the louver plate 130
• another of the aligned set of the first seal plate slots 162 and the first static seal slots 168 forms a sealed fluid connection between the second housing port 114 and the louver plate 130.
• the second seal plate 134 includes a second outer plate wall 170 extending around a periphery of the second seal plate 134 and a second inner plate wall 172 that extends across an interior of the second seal plate 134 and connects to opposing sides of the second outer plate wall 170.
• the second seal plate 134 includes a pair of seal plate channels, cutouts, or apertures, shown as second seal plate slots 174 that extend through the second seal plate 134.
• Each of the second seal plate slots 174 is bordered or enclosed by the second outer plate wall 170 and the second inner plate wall 172, with one of the second seal plate slots 174 being arranged on one side of the second inner plate wall 172 and another of the second seal plate slots 174 being arranged on an opposing side of the first inner plate wall 160.
• the louver plate assembly 122 forms an individually sealed fluid connection to each of the first housing port 112, the second housing port 114, the third housing port 116, and the fourth housing port 118.
• the first seal plate 132 defines a different rotational orientation about the central axis 156 than the second seal plate 134 so that the louver plate assembly 122 forms a plurality of louver ports or passageways that are selectively opened and closed, via movement of the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148, to provide and inhibit fluid flow along various flow paths formed between the first housing port 112, the second housing port 114, the third housing port 116, and the fourth housing port 118.
• a number of the first seal plate slots 162 (and the corresponding number of the first static seal slots 168) and/or a number of the second seal plate slots 174 (and the corresponding number of the second static seal slots 180) may be varied to define more or less louver passageways within the louver plate assembly 122, as described herein.
• the louver plate 130 is selectively movable along the louver direction 148, by the rotary actuator 120 and the drive shaft 124, between a first position ( FIGS. 4-5 ) and a second position ( FIGS. 6-7 ).
• the position of the louver plate 130 either selectively aligns one of the louver slots 150 or misaligns of the louver slots 150 with one or more of the first louver passageway 184, the second louver passageway 186, the third louver passageway 188, and the fourth louver passageway 190 to allow fluid flow or inhibit fluid flow along various flow paths.
• the louver plate assembly 122 selectively provides or inhibits fluid flow along four different fluid passageways or flow paths, and the louver plate 130 is selectively movable between two different positions along the louver direction 148.
• the louver plate assembly 122 in each of the first position and the second position, provides fluid flow through at least two of the first louver passageway 184, the second louver passageway 186, the third louver passageway 188, and the fourth louver passageway 190.
• the louver plate assembly 122 provides the functionality of a 4-way, 2-position valve without requiring multiple louver plate assemblies 122 be integrated into the housing assembly 102.
• the first housing section 206, the second housing section 208, and the first housing cover 210 are fabricated from a polymer or plastic material. In some embodiments, the first housing section 206, the second housing section 208, and the first housing cover 210 are manufactured via a plastic injection molding.
• the coupling formed between the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208 is formed along a coplanar interface.
• a bonding interface 212 formed between the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208 is formed between coplanar surfaces of the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208.
• Forming the bonding interface 212 between coplanar surfaces forms coplanar bonding interfaces that enable a simplified and efficient bonding processes to be utilized to form the bonds between the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208.
• forming the bonds between the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208 along a coplanar bonding interface improves the manufacturing efficiency of the housing assembly 202.
• the first housing section 206 includes a plurality of first ports 214
• the second housing section 208 includes a plurality of second ports 216
• the first housing cover 210 includes a plurality of third ports 218.
• Each of the plurality of first ports 214 extends outwardly from an outer surface of the first housing section 206 and is in fluid communication with a fluid chamber or passageway within the first housing section 206.
• Each of the plurality of second ports 216 extends outwardly from an outer surface of the second housing section 208 and is in fluid communication with a fluid chamber or passageway within the second housing section 208.
• Each of the plurality of third ports 218 extends outwardly from an outer surface of the first housing cover 210 and is in fluid communication with a fluid chamber or passageway within the first housing section 206.
• a second housing cover is coupled to a bottom surface (e.g., a surface opposite to the first housing section 206) of the second housing section 208.
• another housing section that includes additional fluid ports is coupled to a bottom surface of the second housing section 208.
• the respective portions of the louver manifold 228 formed by the first housing section 206 and the second housing section 208 define an enclosure that forms the louver manifold 228 and houses the components of each of the louver plate assemblies 122.
• each of the louver plate assemblies 122 may include similar components and functionality, with like components identified with the same reference numerals, except as described herein or as apparent from the figures. It follows that any description of a single the louver plate assembly 122 illustrated in FIGS. 11-18 generally applies to each of the louver plate assemblies 122 of the flow control assembly 204.
• the drive shaft 224 is coupled to a cam 232, and the cam 232 is coupled to each of the louver plate assemblies 122.
• the cam 232 is configured to convert rotational motion of the drive shaft 224, driven by the rotary actuator 220, into linear motion of the louver plate assemblies 122.
• the cam 232 includes a cam wheel 234 is that coupled to the drive shaft 224.
• the cam wheel 234 is formed as a unitary component (e.g., integrally formed) with the drive shaft 224.
• the cam wheel 234 is formed as a separate component and rotationally keyed to the drive shaft 224 for rotation therewith.
• the flow control assembly 204 includes three of the louver plate assemblies 122, with the louver plate assemblies 122 being circumferentially spaced (e.g., about the drive axis 226) in ninety degree increments. In some embodiments, the flow control assembly 204 may includes more or less than three of the louver plate assemblies 122 spaced in any circumferential or axial increment relative to the drive axis 226. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the louver plate assembly 122 includes a first static seal plate 236 and a second static seal plate 238.
• the first static seal plate 236 is arranged between the louver plate 130 and the first seal plate 132 (e.g., in a direction along the central axis 156), and the second static seal plate 238 is arranged between the louver plate 130 and the second seal plate 134.
• the first static seal plate 236 seals against the upper or first louver surface 152 of the louver plate 130
• the first seal plate 132 is sealed between the first static seal plate 236 and the first static seal 136.
• the second static seal plate 238 is sealed against the lower or second louver surface 154 of the louver plate 130
• the second seal plate 134 is sealed between the second static seal plate 238 and the second static seal 138.
• the second static seal plate 238 includes a plurality of apertures, holes, cutouts, shown as a plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 and a pair of mounting notches 246 that are recessed into opposing outer surfaces of the second static seal plate 238.
• Each of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 extends through the second static seal plate 238 to define a flow path therethrough.
• the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 are arranged in an array that includes eight of the second static seal plate slots 244.
• the second static seal plate 238 may include more or less than eight of the second static seal plate slots 244.
• each of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 aligns with (e.g., in a direction along the central axis 156) a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244.
• the inclusion of the first static seal plate 236 and the second static seal plate 238 within the louver plate assembly 122 provides enhanced control over the timing of the opening and/or closing of the various fluid passageways formed by the louver plate assembly 122, as the louver plate 130 travels between the first position and the second position.
• the louver plates 130 each include an array of the louver slots 150 that includes eight of the louver slots 150.
• the louver plate 130 includes more or less than eight of the louver slots 150, with the louver slots 150 arranged on the louver plate 130 in various orientations and spacings.
• the louver plate 130 includes a plurality of contamination grooves or recesses 247, each being arranged in between or adjacent to at least one of the louver slots 150 on both the upper or first louver surface 152 and the lower or second louver surface 154 (see, e.g., FIGS. 17 and 18 ).
• Each of the contamination grooves 247 is recessed into one of the upper or first louver surface 152 or the lower or second louver surface 154, but does not extend all the way through the louver plate 130.
• the contamination grooves 247 provide a location for potential contaminates to concentrate, which limits (e.g., prevents) contamination build up near the louver slots 150 (e.g., along the edges of the louver slots 150 that are used for flow metering).
• the louver plates 130 each includes a bearing or tube, shown a pin 248 that is arranged at an end of the louver plate 130.
• a pin 248 that is arranged at an end of the louver plate 130.
• at least a portion of the pin 248 extend axially into (e.g., in a direction parallel to the drive axis 226) and is received within a cam slot 250 formed in the cam wheel 234.
• the a first end or portion 252 of the pin 248 extends axially into and is received within the cam slot 250
• a second end or portion 254 of the pin 248 extends axially into and is received within a guide frame 256.
• the guide frame 256 defines a channel or slot that receives the second portion 254 and aids in guiding the pin 248 and the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148 as the louver plate 130 is moved by the cam 232.
• rotation of the cam wheel 234 may provide linear movement of the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148.
• the louver direction 148 is perpendicular to the drive axis 226.
• the rotary actuator 220 selectively rotates the drive shaft 224 and the cam wheel 234 rotates with the drive shaft 224 so that the cam slot 250 rotates relative to the louver plate 130.
• the relative rotation between the cam slot 250 and the louver plate 130 results in the cam slot 250 moving circumferentially about the drive axis 226 and relative to the pin 248 (e.g., each of the pins 248 received within the cam slot 250).
• the cam slot 250 defines a geometry with a variable radius (e.g., relative to the drive axis 226) that, during rotation of the cam slot 250 relative to the pin 248, either maintains a position of the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148 or moves the louver plate 130 (e.g., pushing or pulling) along the louver direction 148 so that the various fluid passageways formed by the louver plate assembly 122 are selectively opened or closed.
• the cam slot 250 may be designed to include a radial profile with a radius (e.g., relative to the drive axis 226) that varies in at least one section of the cam slot 250. It should be appreciated that the cam slot 250 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 is not meant to be limiting and the cam slot 250 may be designed to include any radial profile to accommodate a particular thermal management application (i.e., opening and closing of the louver plates 130 for a particular duration at a particular time). In the illustrated embodiment, the cam slot 250 defines a continuous slot that extends circumferentially around the drive axis 226 (e.g., three hundred and sixty degrees around the drive axis 226).
• the cam slot 250 defines a first portion 262 at a first circumferential position that extends a first radial distance 264 from the drive axis 226 and a second portion 266 at a second circumferential position that extends a second radial distance 268 from the drive axis 226.
• the first radial distance 264 is different than the second radial distance 268.
• the first radial distance 264 and the second radial distance 268 are defined between the drive axis 226 and a radially-inner side surface 270 of the cam slot 250.
• the radial distance that the cam slot 250 extends relative to the drive axis 226 may be defined between the drive axis 226 and a radially-outer second side surface of the cam slot 250, or between the drive axis 226 and a centerline defined along the cam slot 250 (e.g., a radial centerline between the radially-inner side surface 270 and the radially-outer side surface).
• the first radial distance 264 is less than the second radial distance 268.
• the transition between the first radial distance 264 and the second radial distance 268 results in the pin 248 of the louver plate 130 being pushed or pulled along the louver direction 148, and the louver plate 130 is moved between the first position and the second position (or vice versa).
• the louver plate assembly 122 defines the first louver passageway 184, the second louver passageway 186, the third louver passageway 188, and the fourth louver passageway 190, as described herein.
• the movement of the louver plate 130 between the first position and the second position either selectively aligns a set of the louver slots 150 with both a corresponding set of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and a corresponding set of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244, or misaligns or blocks both a corresponding set of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and a corresponding set of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 to provide or inhibit fluid flow through one or more of the first louver passageway 184, the second louver passageway 186, the third louver passageway 188, and the fourth louver passageway 190.
• one pair of the louver slots 150 aligns with both a corresponding pair of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and a corresponding pair of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 and, thereby, opens the first louver passageway 184 and a first flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• another pair of the louver slots 150 aligns with both another corresponding pair of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and another corresponding pair of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 and, thereby, opens the fourth louver passageway 190 and a second flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the second louver passageway 186 and the third louver passageway 188 are blocked by the louver plate 130 (e.g., the corresponding plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and the corresponding plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 that align with the second louver passageway 186 and the third louver passageway 188 are blocked by the louver plate 130) and fluid flow along the second louver passageway 186 (e.g., a third flow path) and the third louver passageway 188 (e.g., a fourth flow path) is inhibited.
• the louver plate 130 e.g., the corresponding plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and the corresponding plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 that align with the second louver passageway 186 and the third louver passageway 188 are blocked by the louver plate 130
• fluid flow along the second louver passageway 186 e.g., a third flow path
• the third louver passageway 188 e.g., a fourth flow path
• one pair of the louver slots 150 aligns with both a corresponding pair of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and a corresponding pair of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 and, thereby, opens the second louver passageway 186 and a third flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• another pair of the louver slots 150 aligns with both another corresponding pair of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and another corresponding pair of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 and, thereby, opens the third louver passageway 188 and a fourth flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the louver plate 130 With the louver plate 130 in the second position, the first louver passageway 184 and the fourth louver passageway 190 are blocked by the louver plate 130 (e.g., the corresponding plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and the corresponding plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 that align with the first louver passageway 184 and the fourth louver passageway 190 are blocked by the louver plate 130) and fluid flow along the first louver passageway 184 (e.g., the first flow path) and the fourth louver passageway 190 (e.g., the second flow path) is inhibited.
• the louver plate 130 e.g., the corresponding plurality of first static seal plate slots 240 and the corresponding plurality of second static seal plate slots 244 that align with the first louver passageway 184 and the fourth louver passageway 190 are blocked by the louver plate 130
• fluid flow along the first louver passageway 184 e.g., the first flow path
• the fourth louver passageway 190 e
• the first housing section 206 includes a plurality of first internal fluid passageways 272 formed by internal walls within the first housing section 106. Each of the plurality of first internal fluid passageways 272 is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of first ports 214, the plurality of second ports 216, or the plurality of third ports 218.
• Each of the louver plate assembly 122 provides a sealed fluid connection between the plurality of first housing ports 276 and the louver plates 130, and between the first internal wall 278 and the louver plate 130.
• the louver plate assemblies 122 are configured to selectively provide or inhibit fluid flow between selective groups of the plurality of first housing ports 276 and the plurality of second housing ports 282, and thereby along selective flow paths that include one or more of the plurality of first internal fluid passageways 272 and/or the plurality of second internal fluid passageways 274 (and fluid connections between various groupings of the plurality of first ports 214, the plurality of second ports 216, and/or the plurality of third ports 218).
• the second housing section 208 defines a recessed cavity that forms a portion of the louver manifold 228.
• the second internal wall 284 forms a portion of the louver manifold 228, and the second housing section 208 includes a plurality of sidewalls 288 that are arranged generally perpendicular to the second internal wall 284, and a frame recess 294 that is dimensioned to at least partially receive the guide frame 256 therein.
• Each of the louver plate assembly 122 interfaces with a plurality of mounting tabs that protrude outwardly from one or more of the plurality of sidewalls 288.
• the mounting tabs aid in guiding the louver plates 130 along the louver direction 148, and help align the louver plates 130 with the corresponding first static seal plate 236 and second static seal plate 238 along the louver direction 148 during assembly.
• each of the louver plate assembly 122 interfaces with a pair of first mounting tabs 290 and an opposing pair of second mounting tabs 292.
• the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 protrude outwardly from opposing sidewalls 288.
• the first mounting tabs 290 are spaced from one another along the louver direction 148, and the second mounting tabs 292 are spaced from one another along the louver direction 148.
• one of the plurality of sidewalls 288 includes two stop tabs 296 that protrude outwardly from the sidewall 288.
• the stop tabs 296 are in the rotational path of the cam stop 235 of the cam wheel 234 and act as rotational stops for the cam wheel 234 (e.g., engagement between the cam stop 235 and either of the stop tabs 296 prevents further rotation of the cam wheel 234 in a particular direction).
• the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 act as a guide for the first static seal plate 236 and the second static seal plate 238.
• the first static seal plate 236 and the second static seal plate 238 are installed so that the first mounting tabs 290 extend into the mounting notch 242 formed on one side of the first static seal plate 236, and into the mounting notch 246 formed on one side of the second static seal plate 238.
• the second mounting tabs 292 extend into the mounting notch 242 formed on the opposing side of the first static seal plate 236 and into the mounting notch 246 formed on the opposing side of the second static seal plate 238.
• the mounting notches 242 and the mounting notches 246 define a generally U-shaped profile. With the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 extending into the mounting notches 242 and the mounting notches 246, the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 constrain the location of the first static seal plate 236 and the second static seal plate 238 along the louver direction 148, which aids in aligning the first static seal plate 236 and the second static seal plate 238 along the louver direction 148.
• first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 protrude outwardly from the opposing sidewalls 288 a predefined distance to define a gap between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 in a direction perpendicular to the louver direction 148.
• the gap between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 in the direction perpendicular to the louver direction 148 is dimensioned to fit the louver plate 130, the first seal plate 132, the second seal plate 134, the first static seal plate 236, and the second static seal plate 238 therebetween, which aids in locating these components during installation.
• the arrangement of the louver plate 130 between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 also limits (e.g., prevents) movement of the louver plate 130 along a direction perpendicular to the louver direction 148 (e.g., rotation about the central axis 156), and helps guide the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148 during operation of the louver plate assembly 122.
• the design and properties of the housing assembly 202 and the louver plate assembly 122 enable the flow control assembly 204 to be assembled by stacking the components of the housing assembly 202 and the flow control assembly 204 (e.g., along a direction parallel to the central axis 156), which simplifies the assembly of the louver plate assemblies 122 and the thermal management control valve 200.
• the guide frame 256 may be installed within the frame recess 294 and the second static seal 138 may be installed within at corresponding one of the second louver recess 286.
• the second seal plate 134 may then be installed upon the second static seal 138 in a rotational orientation that aligns with the second static seal 138 and so that the second seal plate 134 is within the gap formed between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 to properly locate the second seal plate 134.
• the second static seal plate 238 may then be installed upon the second seal plate 134 so that the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 are arranged within the mounting notches 246 to constrain the location of the second static seal plate 238 along the louver direction 148 and properly locate the second static seal plate 238.
• the louver plate 130 may then be installed upon the second static seal plate 238 so that the louver plate 130 is arranged between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292, and the pin 248 (e.g., the second portion 254) extends into the guide frame 256.
• the first static seal plate 236 may be installed upon the louver plate 130 so that the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 are arranged within the mounting notches 242 to constrain the location of the first static seal plate 236 along the louver direction 148 and properly locate the first static seal plate 236.
• the first seal plate 132 may then be installed upon the first static seal plate 236 in a rotational orientation that aligns with the first static seal 136 and so that the first seal plate 132 is within the gap formed between the first mounting tabs 290 and the second mounting tabs 292 to properly locate the first seal plate 132.
• the first static seal 136 may be installed within a corresponding one of the first louver recess 280 of the first housing section 206. When the first housing section 206 is installed on the second housing section 208, the first static seal 136 may engage the first seal plate 132.
• the drive shaft 224 and the cam wheel 234 may be installed within the louver manifold 228 so that the pins 248 (e.g., the first portion 252) are received within the cam slot 250.
• FIGS. 23 , 24 , and 25A-25F show an exemplary embodiment of a thermal management control valve 300 with a housing assembly 302 and a flow control assembly 304 that includes the louver plate assembly 122.
• the housing assembly 302 includes a first or upper housing section 306 and a second or lower housing section 308.
• the first housing section 306 includes a first housing port 310 and a second housing port 312 that both extend through the first housing section 306.
• each of the first housing port 310 and the second housing port 312 are bordered by a first louver recess 314 that at least partially receives one of the first static seal 136.
• the louver plate assembly 122 includes individual first static seals 136 for each of the first housing port 310 and the second housing port 312, and similarly includes individual first seal plates 132 sealed between the first static seals 136 and a first static seal plate 316.
• the first static seal plate 316 includes a plurality of apertures, holes, cutouts, shown as a plurality of first static seal plate slots 318. Each of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 extends through the first static seal plate 316 to define a flow path therethrough.
• the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 are arranged in an array that includes five of the first static seal plate slots 318.
• the first static seal plate 316 may include more or less than five of the first static seal plate slots 318.
• the second housing section 308 includes a third housing port 320, a fourth housing port 322, and a fifth housing port 324 that each extend through the second housing section 308.
• Each of the third housing port 320, the fourth housing port 322, and the fifth housing port 324 are bordered by a second louver recess 326 that at least partially receives one of the second static seals 138.
• the louver plate assembly 122 includes individual second static seals 138 for each of the third housing port 320, the fourth housing port 322, and the fifth housing port 324, and similarly includes individual second seal plates 134 sealed between the second static seals 138 and a second static seal plate 328.
• the second static seal plate 328 includes a plurality of apertures, holes, cutouts, shown as a plurality of second static seal plate slots 330.
• Each of the plurality of plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 extends through the second static seal plate 328 to define a flow path therethrough.
• the plurality of plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 are arranged in an array that includes five of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330.
• the second static seal plate 328 may include more or less than five of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330.
• the first static seal plate 316 and the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 are sealed against opposing sides of the louver plate 130.
• the first static seal plate 316 seals against the upper or first louver surface 152 of the louver plate 130
• the first seal plates 132 are sealed between the first static seal plate 316 and the first static seals 136.
• the second static seal plate 328 is sealed against the lower or second louver surface 154 of the louver plate 130
• the second seal plates 134 are sealed between the second static seal plate 328 and the second static seals 138.
• the first seal plates 132 defines a different rotational orientation about the central axis 156 than the second seal plates 134 so that the louver plate assembly 122 forms a plurality of louver ports or passageways that are selectively opened and closed, via movement of the louver plate 130 along the louver direction 148, to provide and inhibit fluid flow along various flow paths formed between the first housing port 310, the second housing port 312, the third housing port 320, the 322/, and the fifth housing port 324.
• the first seal plates 132 are each arranged in a rotational orientation that is about ninety degrees offset relative to a rotational orientation of the second seal plates 134 about the central axis 156
• the first seal plate slots 162 are elongated in a direction that is generally parallel to the louver direction 148
• the second seal plate slots 174 are elongated in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the louver direction 148.
• the louver plate assembly 122 including two of the first seal plates 132, each including one of the first seal plate slots 162, and three of the second seal plates 134, each including one of the second seal plate slots 174
• the different rotational orientation between the first seal plates 132 and the second seal plates 134 about the central axis 156 defines five louver ports or passageways within the louver plate assembly 122.
• the louver plate assembly 122 defines a first louver passageway 332, a second louver passageway 334, a third louver passageway 336, a fourth louver passageway 338, and a fifth louver passageway 340.
• each of the first louver passageway 332, the second louver passageway 334, the third louver passageway 336, the fourth louver passageway 338, and the fifth louver passageway 340 is opened when one of the louver slots 150 aligns or overlaps with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330.
• Each of the first louver passageway 332, the second louver passageway 334, the third louver passageway 336, the fourth louver passageway 338, and the fifth louver passageway 340 is closed when one of the louver plate 130 blocks (e.g., the louver slots 150 are all misaligned with) with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 that align with the connection provided by the respective fluid passageway.
• the louver plate 130 may be selectively movable along the louver direction 148, by the drive shaft 124 and the rotary actuator 120, between a first position ( FIG. 25A ), a second position ( FIG. 25C ), a third position ( FIG. 25D ), and a fourth position ( FIG. 25F ).
• a first position FIG. 25A
• a second position FIG. 25C
• a third position FIG. 25D
• a fourth position FIG. 25F
• FIG. 25A with the louver plate 130 in the first position, one of the louver slots 150 aligns with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the first louver passageway 332 and a first flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the first flow path provided along the first louver passageway 332 provides fluid communication between the second housing port 312 and the third housing port 320. Additionally, with the louver plate 130 in the first position, another one of the louver slots 150 aligns with another one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the fifth louver passageway 340 and a second flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the second flow path provided along the fifth louver passageway 340 provides fluid communication between the first housing port 310 and the fifth housing port 324.
• the second louver passageway 334, the third louver passageway 336, and the fourth louver passageway 338 are each blocked by the louver plate 130 when the louver plate 130 is in the first position, and fluid flow therethrough is inhibited.
• one of the louver slots 150 aligns with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the second louver passageway 334 and a third flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the third flow path provided along the second louver passageway 334 provides fluid communication between the second housing port 312 and the fourth housing port 322.
• louver plate 130 in the second position, another one of the louver slots 150 aligns with another one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the fifth louver passageway 340 and fluid flow is again provided along the second flow path is provided through the louver plate 130.
• the first louver passageway 332, the third louver passageway 336, and the fourth louver passageway 338 are each blocked by the louver plate 130 when the louver plate 130 is in the first position, and fluid flow therethrough is inhibited.
• one of the louver slots 150 aligns with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the second louver passageway 334 and fluid flow is provided along the third flow path.
• another one of the louver slots 150 aligns with another one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the fourth louver passageway 338 and fluid flow is provided along a fourth flow path through the louver plate 130.
• one of the louver slots 150 aligns with one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the third louver passageway 336 and fluid flow is provided along the fifth flow path.
• the fifth flow path provided along the third louver passageway 336 provides fluid communication between the second housing port 312 and the fifth housing port 324.
• louver plate 130 in the second position, another one of the louver slots 150 aligns with another one of the plurality of first static seal plate slots 318 and a corresponding one of the plurality of second static seal plate slots 330 and, thereby, opens the fourth louver passageway 338 and fluid flow is provided along the fourth flow path.
• the first louver passageway 332, the second louver passageway 334, and the fifth louver passageway 340 are each blocked by the louver plate 130 when the louver plate 130 is in the first position, and fluid flow therethrough is inhibited.
• the louver plate assembly 122 may be movable to intermediate positions between the first position, the second position, the third position, the fourth position, and/or the fifth position.
• the intermediate positions enable the louver plate assembly 122 to proportion flow to various ports of the housing assembly 302 (e.g., one flow path closes off, while a different flow path opens up).
• FIG. 25B shows the louver plate 130 in a first intermediate position between the first position and the second position.
• FIG. 25E shows the louver plate 130 in a second intermediate position between the third position and the fourth position.
• the second louver passageway 334 e.g., the third flow path
• the third louver passageway 336 e.g., the fifth flow path
• the fourth louver passageway 338 e.g., the fourth flow path
• the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed values.
• these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
• Coupled means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members.
• DSP digital signal processor
• ASIC application specific integrated circuit
• FPGA field programmable gate array
• a general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.
• the memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure.
• the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.
• the present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations.
• the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system.
• Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
• Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
• machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media.
• Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
• thermal management control valve 100, 200, 300 as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein..

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